At 3.19 pm this afternoon (Friday 18 July 2025) emergency services responded to reports that a car was on the railway line close to Stray Rein in Harrogate.
Officers attended and found a silver VW Golf on the tracks with one occupant inside. Despite the best efforts of emergency crews tragically, the driver, a man in his 70s, was pronounced dead at the scene. His family are being supported by specialist officers at this difficult time.
The vehicle was travelling on York Place before it left the road and went down the railway embankment.
Police are now appealing for any witnesses, or anyone with dashcam footage taken in the area, to come forward as a matter of urgency. If you can help, please email mcit@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101. Please quote reference 12250132761 when passing information.
Superintendent Andy Nunns from North Yorkshire Police said:
There is currently a scene in place for collision investigation work to take place.
York Place in Harrogate is likely to remain closed for most of this evening and the railway line between Harrogate and Leeds is likely to be closed for most of the night.
We will continue to work with Network Rail and the British Transport Police to minimise disruption.
My thoughts at this time remain very much with the man’s family and I would like to thank the public for their patience.
